MEP Comodini Cachia pushes for inclusion in all social spheres

The rights of people with disability was the topic of discussion in the European Parliament today, and Maltese MEP Therese Comodini Cachia pressed for European institutions to act on the United Nations Convention they signed.

During a debate on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disability today, Comodini Cachia represented the EPP Group as shadow rapporteur within the Committee on Culture and Education.

In her intervention Comodina Cachia pushed policy makers to look beyond a person’s disability.

"As shadow rapporteur this is my chance to nudge policy makers and legislators to stop looking at the disability and to focus on the person. True what meets the eye is the wheelchair for example but what should meet our minds and hearts is the person behind that wheelchair. This report gives us an opportunity to show our citizens that we value the potential and ability of each one," she said.

To demonstrate the ways in which people with disabilities can be supported, Comodini Cachia delivered her speech in English.

"I do this to raise awareness that some people on the autistic spectrum in my country acquire only one language, English. But that this, especially in a dual language country, should not continue to impede their educational development."

Comodini Cachia then went on to emphasise the need for each sector to be open to the participation of all.

"Employment, education, sports, these are our culture, since culture is the narrative of our lifestyle it is the way we live, what we do every day. Let's make sure that all persons, even those whom the environment disables, have space to participate. We need the abilities and potential of every person. Let's stop pushing people out of our societies."

In a statement following the debate, Comodini Cachia explained that the report strives to make the EU institutions and the member states catalysts for the effective implementation of the UNCRPD.

“The report is to ensure that the EU institutions do not stop at signing the convention but to take such measures that are necessary to ensure that people with disabilities can participate in socio-economic development,” she said.

“Within the context of the obligations of the EU as signatories to this Convention and within the assessment made by the UN Committee, the Parliament will continue to put forward disability issues as a priority so that we mainstream people with disabilities in actions and legislations and not take action in this regard merely as an 'add on',” she added.